Homegrown

Last week, the Padres traded reliever Luke Gregerson to the As.  The right-handed Gregerson, with a 2.88 career ERA over five seasons, would have been a good fit with the White Sox.  He also happens to be a graduate of Morton West High School, Clare’s alma mater.

I don’t know why, but Chicago teams don’t want Chicago area players.  It’s all about California, Florida, Texas and the Caribbean, with Japan optional.  But send a scout to check on University of Illinois at Chicago outfielder Curtis Granderson?  That’s too hard.

The Tigers took that chance, which is a little surprising.  Usually, it’s the Cardinals who scout the Midwest.  Guess who signed Gregerson before trading him to the Padres?  Last season, the Cards had two players who went to high school in Missouri—third baseman David Freese and pitcher Trevor Rosenthal.  In addition, starter Lance Lynn went to high school in Indiana.

Not only do the Cardinals scout the Midwest, they develop their talent close to home, too.  Three of the top four St. Louis farm teams are in Memphis, Springfield and Peoria.  That allows both fans and team officials to take a short drive to check up on the future.  On the South Side, we can drive to Charlotte, Birmingham, Winston-Salem or Kannapolis.

But, hey, the frequent-flyer miles are great. And, really, who wants a stiff like Jason Kipnis (Glenbrook North/Arizona State) on your team, anyhow?